The Importance of Community Integration

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The Summit Center
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Update

Story Provided By Kara Lee, M.S.

What Is Community Integration?

Approximately one in five adults in New York State has a disability. Community integration, or creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities, allows people to participate in life to the same degree as their nondisabled peers.

Often, individuals with disabilities are unable to access places in the community that nondisabled individuals take for granted. Successful community integration opens up opportunities not available in segregated environments, giving people a presence across a variety of domains: recreation and leisure, employment, housing, and more. It plays a vital role in supporting independence, building life skills, and promoting a sense of belonging.

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The Importance of Community Integration
The Importance of Community Integration

Story Provided By Kara Lee, M.S.

What Is Community Integration?

Approximately one in five adults in New York State has a disability. Community integration, or creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities, allows people to participate in life to the same degree as their nondisabled peers.

Often, individuals with disabilities are unable to access places in the community that nondisabled individuals take for granted. Successful community integration opens up opportunities not available in segregated environments, giving people a presence across a variety of domains: recreation and leisure, employment, housing, and more. It plays a vital role in supporting independence, building life skills, and promoting a sense of belonging.

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Story Provided By Kara Lee, M.S.

What Is Community Integration?

Approximately one in five adults in New York State has a disability. Community integration, or creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals with disabilities, allows people to participate in life to the same degree as their nondisabled peers.

Often, individuals with disabilities are unable to access places in the community that nondisabled individuals take for granted. Successful community integration opens up opportunities not available in segregated environments, giving people a presence across a variety of domains: recreation and leisure, employment, housing, and more. It plays a vital role in supporting independence, building life skills, and promoting a sense of belonging.

Why Inclusion Benefits Everyone

Everyone benefits when all people can actively participate in society. Community members are exposed to different perspectives and experiences, and individuals who were once excluded see improvements in their mental and physical health. Greater accessibility also has a positive impact on the economy, with increased employment and consumer spending.

Local Resources for Integration and Support

As Western New York’s leading provider of services for children and adults with autism and other disabilities, The Summit Center offers the support people need to fully engage in life. Programs include Supported Employment; STEPS, a community-based adult day program; Building Friendship Fridays, a program for young adults to form lasting friendships; and Community Habilitation, a one-on-one skillbuilding program for individuals to achieve personal goals.

To learn about The Summit Center’s adult and community programs, visit TheSummitCenter.org or call 716-629-3400.

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